Wuff Post 📰 - Dog News and Training Tips / dog enrichment

Do you and your four-legged best friend want to get more active? Whether it’s an easy daytime stroll or a challenging adventure, getting up and out in nature is one of the most beneficial activities for both humans and their canine companions. 

But where to start? This blog from Betty & Butch – Manchester's premium provider of dog food, treats and supplies - is here to help; we're sharing our top tips on ways to become more active with your pup. 

From exploring dog-friendly parks near you, joining training classes together or investing in interactive toys that make exercise fun, there are lots of ways you can get active together with your furry sidekick! 

So let’s take this journey together: grab a leash (and a snack!) – it’s time for you and your pooch to start having some physical activity-filled adventures!

Go for a daily walk

Going for a walk is not only beneficial for your dog but also for you! With each step, you will get some much-needed fresh air and exercise. 

This daily routine will make you feel energised and refreshed throughout the day, and it’s a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress.

Your furry friend will also appreciate the exercise, and it’s a critical part of their routine for staying fit and healthy. As you walk through your neighbourhood, take time to appreciate the sights and sounds around you. 

So, get up, lace up your sneakers, and head outside for a daily dose of fresh air and bonding time with your pup.

Sign up for agility classes

If you're looking for a way to unleash your pup's inner athlete, signing up for agility classes may be just the ticket. These classes provide an exciting way for you and your pup to bond and test your skills in a supportive and fun environment. 

With a variety of obstacles to navigate, ranging from jumps and tunnels to weave poles and seesaws, agility is not only physically challenging but also mentally stimulating for your furry friend. 

By working together, you and your pup can develop agility skills that will expand your pup's limits and enhance your relationship. 

So why not get creative and test your pup's agility with some fun and challenging courses? 

Take your pup to the park

Taking your furry companion to the park is an excellent way for you both to enjoy some fresh air and exercise while spending quality time together. 

For dogs, visiting the park provides a perfect opportunity for them to socialise with other dogs and their owners, which helps to keep them mentally stimulated and improve their socialisation and communication skills. 

Your pup can also enjoy sniffing around and exploring the environment, which can be a great way to provide them with some mental stimulation while letting them burn off some energy. 

So why not grab a lead and head to the park with your furry friend, and let them run, play, and make some new furry friends!

Set up an agility course in your back garden

Are you looking for a fun way to bond with your furry friend? Why not set up an agility course in your back garden and take turns running through it with your pup? 

This activity not only provides physical exercise but also mental stimulation for your dog. As they navigate through the course, they'll have to use all their senses to manoeuvre around obstacles, jump over barriers, and weave in between poles. 

Plus, as you alternate turns, you get to see your canine companion's playful and competitive side come out! So, grab some treats and get ready to have a blast while improving your pup's agility skills.

Introduce different types of exercise into their routine - swimming, tug-of-war, frisbee, or fetch are all great options!

Are you tired of doing the same old exercises every week? It's time to mix things up and introduce different types of exercise into your routine. 

Swimming is a great option, not only is it a low-impact workout, but it also provides a full-body workout. If you have a furry friend, why not try tug-of-war or a game of fetch? 

Not only will you get your heart rate up, but your dog will also love the extra playtime. For those who enjoy being outdoors, frisbee is a fun way to exercise while enjoying the fresh air. 

So don't be afraid to try something new and add some variety to your workout routine.

Shop Dog Enrichment Toys

In the end, exercising with your pup is a great way to bond and spend special time together. Whether you go for a daily walk, sign up for agility classes, or set up an agility course in your back garden, find something that works for both you and your pup! 

Introducing different types of exercise into their routine is also beneficial as it keeps them from getting bored with the same activities over and over. 

Betty & Butch know how important it is to keep your pup healthy and fit- so stop by their store in Manchester or online shop today for all your dog's needs!

Do you want to Slow Down Your Dog's Eating? Check out our review of the best slow feeders for dogs! We'll help you choose the right one for your pup.

Dog Slow Feeders and their Purpose

Dog slow feeders are a new way to help your furry friend eat at a healthy pace. These bowls and mats challenge dogs, forcing them to work for their meal instead of chowing it down in seconds.

They help prevent bloating and vomiting, as well as discourage behavioural issues such as begging, aggression or gorging. As if that isn't enough, these feeders also provide mental stimulation and make mealtime much more entertaining for your pup! 

Whether you have a rescue that scarfs down its food or an enthusiastic eater, dog slow feeders are a great addition to every pup's dining room routine.
View our range of dog slow feeders here: Shop Now

How a Dog Slow Feeder Works

A dog slow feeder can provide your pup with a healthy, safe way to enjoy their meals. This type of feeder consists of a bowl or tray that contains grooves and ridges that are designed to slow down eating by forcing your pup to navigate around them to get their food. 

The grooves create smaller pieces for your pet that encourages slower, more mindful eating. Eating slowly offers many benefits for dogs such as improved digestion, reduced risk of bloat, and less regurgitation. 

A slow feeder is also beneficial for picky eaters because the novel design encourages them to explore their food and enjoy it slowly instead of gulping it down in one go. Whether they're a slow eater or prone to overeating, this type of feeder can be a big help in making mealtime safer and more enjoyable.

Different Types of Dog Slow Feeders

With an ever-growing market of pet products, it can be hard to decide which items are truly beneficial and which are simply gimmicks. Slow feeders have emerged as a practical way to help manage your pup's eating habits while also providing important mental stimulation. 

There are various types of slow feeders available on the market today that all come with their own benefits and features. For example, some slow feeders, such as raised mazes or bowls with ridges, could be beneficial for dogs who suffer from diseases like bloat or who eat with too much gusto. 

Others offer clever challenges that may help to keep your dog entertained for hours on end. Regardless of what type you choose, carefully consider their needs and look for a design that encourages them to take their time when eating meals.

Size and Style of Dog Slow Feeders

Choosing the right pet slow feeder for your dog can play an important role in their well-being. If you are not sure what size to pick, measure the diameter of your dog's muzzle and head circumference and find a feeder with a hole size that would best fit around its snout. 

Additionally, there are many slow feeder styles to choose from depending on how much food you want the feeder to hold at one time. For instance, if you have a smaller breed, you may prefer something shallow with multiple compartments like a bowl or plate-style slow feeder. 

However, if you have a larger breed that eats more food, an elevated bowl or interactive puzzle feeder would be ideal as they may accommodate larger meals and last longer. 

No matter what shape or size of slow feeder you choose, keep in mind that it should always promote healthy eating habits while also providing your pup with maximum comfort and enjoyment at mealtime!

Our favourite slow feeders:

EAT SLOW LIVE LONGER ORIGINAL SLOWFEEDER DOG ENRICHMENT BOWL

RED EAT SLOW LIVE LONGER SLOW FEEDER DOG BOWL

LICKIMAT WOBBLE CHEW-RESISTANT DOG BOWL FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND ANXIETY

Homemade Dog Slow Feeder Tips

If you want to give your pup a healthy challenge with mealtime, homemade dog slow feeders are the way to go! 

They're quick and easy to throw together, and best of all, can be tailored to whatever size and shape your furry friend needs. All you need is an empty plastic container with a lid and some kitchen utensils. 

Start by cutting several small circles in the top of the lid and then creating channels, curves, or twisting paths within it. Once it's been designed to your specifications, place kibble or treats along the path - voila! 

With minimal effort, you've got an enjoyable puzzle feeder that will captivate your pup while keeping them occupied at mealtimes.

Pros and Cons of Dog Slow Feeders

A dog slow feeder is a great tool for pet owners to ensure their furry friend is eating the right amount of food and staying healthy. On the plus side, they can be used with many types of dry and wet food, are easily portable and can help decrease your pup’s chances of suffering from such conditions as bloat. 

They also extend your pup’s mealtime which can keep them distracted for longer periods. However, some slow feeders may require periodic cleaning and not all dogs take to them quickly. 

This can lead to frustrations on both sides. Additionally, if an owner has a multi-pet household, it might not be suitable since having multiple dogs trying to eat from one feeder could result in food aggression issues. 

Overall, while they may provide certain benefits, pet owners should do their research first before investing in a dog slow feeder.

In closing, dog slow feeders are an excellent tool to help improve digestion and reduce food anxiety in canines. 

By breaking down meals into smaller pieces and preventing gulping and bloating, dog slow feeders offer many health benefits that make them worth the investment for any pet parent. 

For those who prefer a more customised option, there are plenty of recipes out there that allow you to create your own slow feeder at home. Be sure to choose one that is the right size and style for your particular pup, as this will have the greatest impact on their health. 

All in all, if you're looking for something to improve your pet's feeding habits while saving you some money in the process, then a dog slow feeder may be just what you need!

Shop Slow Feeders Now

As a pet owner, you want what's best for your furry friend. You might be surprised to learn that one of the best things you can do for your dog is to get them a lick mat. Here are just a few of the benefits of these simple yet effective products.

Dogs LOVE Lick Mats

Dogs are curious creatures, and they love to explore their environment with their sense of touch. One interesting way that dogs explore is by licking textures that they find appealing. Whether it's the taste and texture of wet grass or exploring the soft fur of a companion animal, dogs get sensory input from licking that can't be achieved any other way. Licking is also calming for dogs – just think back to when your dog had a bath and how relaxing it seemed for them as you shampooed away! Not only does licking provide comfort in this way, but it also helps them learn about their surroundings and helps keep them cool on warm days. Because of all these reasons, dogs have a special appreciation for surface textures that they can lick - don't be surprised if your pup wants to give you a curious lick or two in greeting!

Relieve Boredom or Anxiety in your Dog

For many of us, it's easy to become overwhelmed by boredom and anxiety. Though too much of a good thing is rarely positive, engaging in something you enjoy can be just the mental break you need to alleviate those feelings. Whether it’s reading a book, playing board games with friends, or going for a walk around your neighbourhood – activities that relieve stress while fulfilling a natural curiosity can be invaluable during times of uncertainty. Boredom and anxiety are common issues faced by individuals all over the world, but luckily there are simple ways to combat these issues in an effort to alleviate their effects on our lives.

Self-Care for Dogs

Dogs use a range of behaviours to show both comfort and affection, and licking is one way to offer your pup some extra special love and care. Licking releases neurochemicals that can actually make a dog feel relaxed and secure. That’s why, getting them a lick mat can keep them happy and entertained for hours! Check out our range of dog lick mats here:

View our range of Dog Licks Mats: Shop Now

Lick the Mat, Not the Sofa!

Many people find that their beloved dogs are unable to resist the urge to lick furniture and other surfaces in the home, creating a potentially messy problem. However, new research shows that having your dog focus its licking habit on mats may be the key to curbing their impulse licking. The study found that dogs were far less likely to lick furniture or other household objects when given a textured mat to focus their licks on. This is because dogs instinctively enjoy licking for pleasure, comfort, and stress-relief -- meaning providing them with an objectively better surface increases the odds of them focusing solely on that. So, if you're having trouble with your pup's licking, consider introducing them to a specialised mat and see if it makes a difference!

VIEW OUR RANGE OF DOG LICK MATS